Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
Dr. Barbara Carby (seated),director-general of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), tests one of the 14 new computers handed over to ODPEM by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Looking on from left are: Dean Peart Minister of Land and Environment, Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry and Juan Carlos Espinola, resident representative UNDP to Jamaica. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE OFFICE of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management(ODPEM) yesterday officially received 14 new desk top computers and four lap tops from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The computers are to be used to enhance the ODPEM's disaster management capabilities. At the handing over ceremony, Juan Carlos Espinola, resident representative of UNDP in Jamaica, said the UNDP is providing this assistance, with the hope that it will help to minimise destruction in the event of a natural disaster. He noted that the forecast for this year's hurricane season is troubling. Mr. Espinola said the prediction is that four 'very disastrous hurricanes' may occur in the region.
Dr. Barbara Carby, head of the ODPEM, and Dean Peart, Minister of Land and Environment, were both on hand yesterday to receive the donation. They thanked the UNDP, noting that the gifts would be put to good use.
